Spending by consumers rises to offset slowdowns

China's consumer spending accelerated in May, constituting a major force to stabilize the economy, even as industrial output and investment growth weakened, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Friday.

Economists said consumer spending is expected to remain at high levels in the second half and authorities should prioritize job stabilization, which greatly affects demand and the overall economy.

Retail sales increased by 8.6 percent year-on-year in May, up from 7.2 percent in April, according to the NBS.